Sakamoto Days is not your regular Shonen, and no one proves it more than the main character

Sakamoto Days is a refreshing change in the Shonen manga genre, introducing Taro Sakamoto, who breaks the typical mold. Once the most feared hitman in the underworld, Sakamoto dramatically changes his life after getting married. He is no longer the slender, muscular hero seen in many Shonen manga; instead, he is a modest convenience store owner. His dad bod and humble demeanor hide a past filled with incredible fighting skills and a reputation that still intimidates his former enemies.

Traditional Shonen heroes are driven by dreams of becoming the best or avenging a loved one. The Sakamoto Days MC, on the other hand, is driven by his desire to lead a tranquil life and defend his family. His focus has shifted from achieving personal glory to taking care of his family, which gives his character a more mature and relatable edge.

Disclaimer: The article contains spoilers from the manga

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Sakamoto Days MC: The Hero defined by his weakness

Taro Sakamoto during his days as an assassin (Image via TMS Entertainment)

Sakamoto Days MC pays attention to his former career as a top-tier hitman by being able to return to his leaner, more agile form. But this transformation isn't a normal power-up from a Shonen manga. Apart from enhancing his abilities, it acts as a double-edged sword, bringing attention to his vulnerabilities.

Sakamoto's dependence on his transformation can be considered a crutch, in contrast to other Shonen heroes who gain strength via training and perseverance. It highlights his inability to strike a balance between his past and present and his reliance on a temporary state rather than long-term growth.

Unlike other Shonen series, where transformations are frequently portrayed as ultimate power-ups, the Sakamoto Days MC takes a different direction. Yuto Suzuki challenges the norms of the genre by depicting Sakamoto's past form as a weakness, providing an unconventional take on heroism.

Sakamoto faces additional challenges because he currently operates at only 30% of his original power. This limitation emphasizes his need to adapt his smaller form to maximize his combat potential. The manga suggests that the strongest assassins are those who can adjust their fighting techniques to suit any situation, even when they're not familiar with their body type.

Page from the Sakamoto Days manga (Image via Sheuisha)

It also strengthens the theory that Sakamoto's need to lose weight in order to reach his maximum fighting ability is a sign of weakness. If he were truly at his full potential, he would be able to fight at that level in his normal body as well.

Despite his appearance, Sakamoto retains his deadly skills. He can easily outwit and outclass opponents in his fights, which combine humour and furious action. Furthermore, his use of everyday items in creative ways during battle sequences illustrates his adaptability and resourcefulness.

Sakamoto’s true strength lies not in his ability to transform but in his resilience and determination to protect his loved ones. His willingness to endure the physical and psychological toll of transformation for the sake of his family showcases his unwavering commitment and courage.

The series humanizes the Sakamoto Days MC by drawing attention to his weaknesses, making him more relatable to the audience. They can relate to his struggles with his past, his physical limitations, and his desire for a quiet life, which gives his character additional depth.

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Conclusion

The Sakamoto Days MC redefines heroism by his everyday actions, his love for his family, and his will to protect them at all costs, rather than from his physical prowess or supernatural abilities. This delicate portrayal challenges conventional ideas of what it means to be a hero in Shonen manga.

The central theme of his character is the sharp contrast between his past and present, which challenges the common Shonen cliche that a hero's transformation is a sign of strength.

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Related links:

• The status of Sakamoto Days anime adaptation, explored
• Who is Taro Sakamoto's voice actor?
• Sakamoto Days manga receives a spinoff in Saikyo Jump